Electrochemical deposition of CdO on anodized TiO2 nanotube arrays for enhanced photoelectrochemical properties

Fabrication of titanium dioxide nanotube (TNT)–cadmium oxide (CdO) composite array by galvanostatic deposition technique through careful optimizations of the deposition parameters has been performed. Three different morphologies, nanocrystallites, layered, and particle agglomerate, of the CdO are obtained depending on the deposition time. The TNT/CdO composite arrays, as formed, showed significant enhancement in photoelectrochemical properties compared to pure TNT. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the nanocrystallite morphology of the CdO is the best choice for this particular application.

► Electro-deposition of CdO on TiO2 nanotubes.
► Various morphologies of CdO based on deposition parameters.
► Nanocrystallite CdO for enhanced photochemical properties.
► Higher charge density carried for TNT–CdO composite.